If you are on the lookout for a vibrant, flavorful, and utterly satisfying dish, then you have to try this Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to brighten your mealtime with the perfect balance of sweet pineapple, savory tamari sauce, and a mix of colorful veggies that bring texture and freshness to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just craving something new, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with plant-based goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that play off each other beautifully. Each component is essential, lending a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color that transforms everyday rice into a spectacular meal you’ll want again and again.
- Brown rice (4-5 cups, cooked and chilled): Using day-old rice gives you the ideal texture for stir-frying without sogginess.
- Pineapple chunks (2 cups, fresh or frozen): Adds natural sweetness and a juicy tropical twist to brighten every forkful.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Provides a crisp bite and vibrant red hue for visual appeal and a touch of sweetness.
- Green peas (3/4 cup, frozen & thawed): Bring a subtle pop of sweetness and a lovely green accent.
- Purple cabbage (1 cup, shredded): Adds crunch, color contrast, and a dose of antioxidants.
- Red onion (1/2, diced): Imparts a mild bite and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- Tamari (4 tbsp): The salty, umami-packed backbone of the sauce that ties it all together.
- Maple syrup (1.5 tbsp): Brings a nuanced sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for that fragrant, savory punch everyone loves.
How to Make Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together tamari, maple syrup, minced garlic, a pinch of garlic powder, a splash of hot sauce, and ginger in a small bowl. This simple sauce is where the magic begins. Its sweet-savory profile will infuse the rice and veggies as they cook, perfectly complementing the pineapple’s tropical sweetness.
Step 2: Caramelize the Pineapple
Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat and add your pineapple chunks. Stir-fry until the edges start to caramelize and deepen in color. This step intensifies the pineapple’s flavor, adding a warm, caramel note that makes every bite irresistible. Once caramelized, transfer the pineapple to a bowl to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Bell Pepper and Onion
Using the same skillet, toss in diced red bell pepper and red onion. Cook them until they develop a slight char and soften. This adds a smoky undertone and tender texture to the dish, perfectly balancing the sweet pineapple’s juiciness.
Step 4: Wilt the Purple Cabbage and Cook Garlic
Add shredded purple cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry until just wilted – this keeps the cabbage crisp yet tender. Then, move the cabbage aside and add minced garlic, cooking until it becomes fragrant. This step layers in essential aroma and subtle heat, building complexity in the flavor.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Rice and Mix Everything Together
Now it’s time to add your chilled cooked rice and thawed green peas into the skillet, stirring to break up any clumps. Pour in the prepared sauce, folding everything together. Finally, fold in the reserved pineapple, bell pepper, onion, and cabbage. Keep stir-frying until every grain is coated with the luscious sauce and heated through.
How to Serve Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish, garnish your Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and an energetic squeeze of lime juice. These touches add freshness, crunch, and a hint of tang that perfectly balances the sweet and savory elements on the plate.
Side Dishes
This fried rice stands strong on its own, but for a heartier meal, you can serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad, crispy tofu or tempeh, or steamed edamame. These sides maintain the fresh, light vibe while introducing additional textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
A fun way to impress guests or add flare is to serve the pineapple fried rice inside hollowed-out pineapple halves. Not only does this presentation amplify the tropical feel, but it also serves as a charming conversation starter. You can also portion it into lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option that’s perfect for lunch or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, spread the rice out on a baking sheet to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet on medium heat with a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent drying. Stir frequently so the rice heats evenly and retains that fresh-out-of-the-pan flavor and texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Absolutely! White rice will work fine, but brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and a chewier texture that complements the vegetables and pineapple beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tamari sauce (many brands are naturally gluten-free), this dish is completely safe for a gluten-free diet.
Can I add protein to this Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe?
Yes! Adding tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas are fantastic ways to bump up the protein content while keeping the dish vegan and balanced.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
You can use any heavy-bottomed pan or wok. The key is to get a nice high heat for caramelizing and stir-frying, so a non-stick or stainless steel pan will do well too.
Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Definitely. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce or omit the maple syrup. The pineapple and tamari create a nice balanced flavor even then, so adjust to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh, colorful ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s easy to make, wonderfully versatile, and offers a fantastic balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors that will leave you excited to plate it up again and again. Give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your new favorite weeknight meals or vibrant additions to any gathering!
Print
Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vibrant Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized pineapple with colorful vegetables and savory tamari sauce, delivering a nutritious, flavorful, and plant-based meal. Perfect for a quick 30-minute dinner, it uses simple ingredients like brown rice, bell pepper, cabbage, and green peas, stir-fried to perfection in a cast iron skillet for a satisfying texture and tropical flair.
Ingredients
Rice and Vegetables
- 4–5 cups brown rice (cooked and chilled)
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3/4 cup green peas (frozen & thawed)
- 1 cup purple cabbage (shredded)
- 1/2 red onion (diced)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 4 tbsp tamari
- 1.5 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger or 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Garnishes
- Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- Scallions (sliced, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
- Lime juice (freshly squeezed, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, maple syrup, garlic powder, hot sauce, and ginger until well combined. Set the sauce mixture aside to meld the flavors.
- Caramelize Pineapple: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add the pineapple chunks and stir-fry, allowing them to caramelize and develop a golden-brown exterior. Once caramelized, transfer them to a separate bowl to preserve their texture.
- Sauté Bell Pepper and Onion: In the same hot skillet, add diced red bell pepper and red onion. Stir-fry until they develop slight char marks and soften, then remove and combine them with the caramelized pineapple.
- Cook Purple Cabbage and Garlic: Add shredded purple cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry until it wilts. Push the cabbage to one side of the skillet, then add minced garlic to the cleared space and cook just until fragrant without burning.
- Add Rice, Peas, Sauce, and Vegetables: Incorporate the chilled brown rice and green peas into the skillet with the cabbage and garlic. Pour the prepared tamari sauce over the mixture, then add the reserved pineapple, bell pepper, and onion. Stir thoroughly to combine and heat everything evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the fried rice and garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using chilled brown rice helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy during stir-frying.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder version.
- Fresh pineapple is recommended for the best caramelization and flavor but frozen pineapple works well too.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
- For extra protein, consider topping with toasted cashews or serving alongside a plant-based protein.
